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BMW 2002

The BMW 2002 was introduced to the world at the Motor Show in Geneva in 1966. At that time it was a shortened 1600 by 23cm. It was BMW’s first attempt to produce a sporty, compact car, and produced a whopping 86 horsepower. In 1968 the BMW 2002 officially made its debut to the world, now producing 100 horsepower. Three years later BMW revealed the BMW 2002 tii, which was pushing out 130 horsepower. The 2002, through these years, are often known as “Roundies”. This is because of the distinct round tail lights on the back, which were soon changed to larger square tail lights in the early 70’s. Just before the oil crisis, in 1973 the BMW 2002 Turbo was revealed and became the first production turboed vehicle in Europe.  

The 2002 is, arguably, the foundation of what we see today from many BMW’s: a sporty car that you can drive like hell through the mountains, enjoy for your commute to work, and pack the whole family together for a long drive or road trip. In 2020 this seamingly simple car has a huge following, much of which is in California, but is also spread across the country and world. Their bright colors make them the perfect car for advertisements and commercials, but those who know them well can tell what year they were manufactured from the many variants of bumpers or tail lights that the car displayed throughout the years. 

In the past fifteen years, the 2002 has drastically grown in popularity. Sure, you can still find one tucked away in a field, like I did, and offer a few grand to purchase it. However, the days of finding those jewels are slowing down as people are hunting for every last part they can get to make their own baby complete. 

On Bringatrailer.com the most expensive 2002 sold for $152,000 and another for $125,000. Now those prices are few and far between, but a decent 2002 is in the $40k range and that's without the many “mods” people are doing to these beautiful cars. 

One of the most popular modifications for the 2002 is an engine swap. People want more power, and the socially accepted engine swap is from an E30 M3. The average S14 M3 is right under 200 hp to the back wheels. The S14 itself has a cult following in the auto world and has been crowned as one of the best racing engines ever produced. Selling from $7-28k a unit, in most cases the engine is more expensive than the shell of the car. 

Why am I writing about the 2002 and not a Porsche, Chevy Corvette, or Dodge Charger? That's because my father has had a few 2002’s through the years and has dubbed the current 2002 as mine. We call her “Old Red”, and she is magnificent. 

Old Red is a 1975 2002 with square tail lights. Old Red does have an S14 engine swap from an 88’ M3. We have a larger 15” Apex Wheel, Wilwood Brakes, larger radiator, custom welding, exhaust, oil cooler, tan leather upholstery, bluetooth sound system, so she is essentially a modern day M3 on a much smaller body. We even have cup holders, thank you very much. It only took fifteen years (or so) with each year a new “something” needing replacing. Little things, too, like the rubber sealants around the windows. 

With the engine swap, this car goes from a vintage putt around town car to the absolute best sleeper. Nobody expects this little car to haul ass around corners, and even on the highway she zooms past modern sports cars. Sure the 0-60 is not nearly what modern cars can do, but the ability to carve through corners on the Blue Ridge Parkway with roaring RPM’s is something you simply fall in love with. 

For those who don't know much about the 2002, perhaps purchase a ticket to The Vintage. The Vintage is the largest BMW car show in the world and happens to be held in North Carolina. People drive from across the United States, from Canada, and Mexico to be a part of it. Roughly 600 cars showed up last year and each year it continues to grow. If you want to see some cool BMW 2002’s and many other classics, that is your best chance. ~

Check out the two videos below.

The car on Jay Leno’s Garage is very similar to the changes made to Old Red.